North Park teacher charged with sex assault

A 56-year-old teacher at North Park Collegiate has been charged with sex-related crimes following a month-long investigation, Brantford police say.

William Edward Gemmell, 56, of Vittoria in Norfolk County, is charged with one count each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

Police announced the charges Thursday after parents were notified of the investigation by North Park principal Philip Midgley.

Police said an investigation by the child abuse and sexual assault unit started Nov. 1 and identified a female victim, aged 14 to 18.

The investigation revealed that the victim had been “touched inappropriately” by a teacher at North Park, police said.

Police said no further information would be released.

Gemmell has been assigned to his home pending resolution of his court proceeding, said Kimberly Newhouse, manager of communications and community relations, for the Grand Erie District School Board.

“The Grand Erie District School Board and Brantford police take this matter very seriously,” she said, adding that the board will provide no further comment until Gemmell’s court proceedings are completed.

Gemmell’s social media page says he’s a teacher of technology and computers at North Park and previously worked at Pauline Johnson Collegiate in Brantford and Delhi District Secondary School in Norfolk.

The page says Gemmell is from Toronto and went to George Harvey Collegiate.

In a recorded message sent to North Park parents and students, Midgley said Gemmell started teaching at North Park in September.

“The safety and well-being of our students here at North Park Collegiate is our top priority,” the principal said.

“Supports have been offered and are in place for the victim.

“They are also available to any student who feels impacted by this event.”

Midgley said the school and the school board have worked closely with police and will continue to do so.

Police are asking anyone with information about their investigation to telephone Det. Jeff Cotter at 519-756-0113, ext. 2269 or email him at: jcotter@police.brantford.on.ca.

People also can provide anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477.